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Not much time has passed since the likelihood of seeing a black doll in stores was slim to none, but times are changing and (rightfully) more and more diversity has been introduced.
As trivial as it may seem on the surface of things, owning a beautiful representation of oneself can have a positive impact on a young child.
On her blog, author and black-doll enthusiast Debbie Behan Garrett explains its value:
"It is very important for children to see themselves in playthings, in books, and in media. This helps develop self-love and prevents the fallacy that there is only one standard of beauty from entering their impressionable minds."
For Samantha Knowles, director of the short documentary Why Do You Have Black Dolls?, it's all about image.
“The conversation always reverts back to image and what is a more powerful and formative image for a young black child than her dolls?”
Thankfully, the South African market is filled with stunning local offers, and with quite a number to choose from, we've rounded up a few of our favourites:
Do you struggle to find toys your child can relate to? What other toys could do with a more inclusive take on diversity? Tell us by emailing to chatback@parent24.com and we could publish your letter.
Akiki Dolls
"Akiki" is Swahili for "ruby" and is also the name of mom and author Fatuma Abdullah's Akiki dolls. Akiki is curious about all things African and loves to learn. The doll is geared at teaching young girls to see their differences as a positive and to foster self-worth.
Price: R 68.99 - R 524.99 via www.akikidolls.com
Momppy Mpoppy
SA's very own Afro-Funky barbie, Momppy Mpoppy was created by Maite Makgoba who could not find the perfect glamourous black doll for her niece. Momppy Mpoppy was born and is one of the most stylish dolls out there.
Price: R299 via Toy Kingdom
The Little Black Ant range
Creators of the Little Black Ant collection had the diverse people of South Africa in mind when they crafted their handmade, multicultural rag dolls. Parents can find the perfect fit for their little tots.
Price: R300 - R580 via www.littleblackant.co.za
The Ntomb’entle Dolls range
Created by Molemo Kgomo, a mom who could not find a pretty black doll for her daughter, the Ntomb’entle Dolls range offers a variety of dolls modelled after several South African cultures including Zulu, Sotho, Pedi, Swazi, Ndebele, Venda, Tsonga, Xhosa.
Price: R260 via www.ntombenhledolls.co.za
Sibahle Collection
Created with the intention of encouraging black girls to love being in their own skin, The Sibahle Collection carries two dolls: Nobuhle (a Zulu word meaning "mother of beauty/goodness") and Bontle (the Sotho word for "beauty").
Price: R440 - R730 via www.sibahlecollection.com
The Nandikwa Doll
Another awesome range reflecting the diversity of South Africa's rich heritage is Mmule Ramothibe's Nandikwa Dolls. The dolls are dressed in colourful culturally specific clothing, encouraging children of all races to explore and embrace the cultures of others.
Price: R350 via www.nandikwadolls.co.za
Do you struggle to find toys your child can relate to? What other toys could do with a more inclusive take on diversity? Tell us by emailing to chatback@parent24.com and we could publish your letter.
Read more:
- How parenting advice assumes you’re white and middle class
- Lessons your kids can learn from Black Panther
- How do you talk to kids about racism?
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